Travels of Shepp

I recently embarked on my first big solo road trip, and I'm super excited about it! I originally did want to travel with someone. Ian is big enough for two people and it's always good to have company on the road. However unfortunately I couldn't find anyone to come with me- everyone was either in the wrong place or our schedules just didn't match up properly. As I was in Brisbane seeing mates and preparing the van, the idea of going alone grew on me more and more. I liked the sound of going completely at my own pace, doing only and exactly what I wanted to do every day. I could go to the beach and write, draw, play my new drum (I recently bought a steel tongue drum, it sounds so beautiful I'm very excited about this) Plus, I'd have lots of friends to visit on the way up, and if I really did want to meet people I could just check into a hostel for a bit. So that was it, as soon as I got the van ready I decided to leave the next day. A...

My time in Byron has finally come to an end. I've learnt so much and grown so much during my three and a half months in Byron, so it feels very bitter-sweet to be leaving. I'm really proud to say that I lived in my van for two months. This is something I wasn't expecting but I'm so glad I did it. I loved it but it certainly was a challenge at times! The past month, as I've known I'll be leaving soon, has been the best and most enjoyable time in Byron. It sometimes works that way as the pressure is off and you are more mindful about the place you're in, making the most of all the opportunities. I moved into a hostel, the Arts Factory, which was so fun and probably my favourite hostel I've ever stayed in.  It's been SO much fun as well as nourishing; I've learnt a lot from amazing people and grown so much. I've met the most incredible people, had some amazing and fun experiences, and grown in ways I never cou...